Slovakia Halts Antimony Mine Project Amid Environmental Fears and EU Strategic Shifts
The Slovak government has revoked exploration licenses for a Canadian-led antimony mining project in the Little Carpathians, citing environmental risks and public opposition. The decision, announced by Environment Minister Tomas Taraba on June 13, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the EU’s efforts to reduce reliance on China and Russia for critical minerals.
Antimony: A Strategic Mineral at the Center of Geopolitical Tensions
Antimony, a rare metal used in weapons, batteries, and semiconductors, has become a focal point of global supply chain concerns. The EU imported 70% of its antimony from China in 2025, according to the European Commission, with prices surging 200% since 2023 due to export restrictions. Slovakia’s Trojarova mine, identified by Canadian firm Military Metals as containing up to 67,000 tons of antimony—nearly a third of the EU’s annual consumption—had been positioned as a potential alternative.
“This is the largest antimony deposit in the EU,” said Martin Lendik, mayor of Pernek, a municipality near the site. “But the environmental risks of extracting it are too high.”
Environmental Concerns and Local Resistance
The Trojarova mine, once a 1980s-era exploration site, was reopened in 2024 by Military Metals to tap into the antimony reserve. However, local leaders and environmental groups raised alarms about contamination from heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, which could pollute groundwater and farmland. Over 3,000 residents signed a petition against the project, while Pezinok’s mayor, Roman Macs, warned of “repeating the mistakes of past mining eras.”
The mine’s proposed operations would involve crushing ore, a process that environmentalists say could release toxic byproducts. Pezinok has since filed a legal challenge, alleging insufficient transparency in the company’s exploration plans.
EU’s Push for Resource Independence
The EU’s 2023 Critical Raw Materials Act aims to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on “non-EU countries with poor human rights records.” Slovakia, which listed antimony as a critical resource in 2024, had initially supported the project as part of this strategy. However, Minister Taraba’s decision reflects growing public pressure to prioritize ecological safeguards over short-term economic gains.
“The EU needs to balance security and sustainability,” said Peter Kodera, a geologist at Comenius University. “A full-scale mine isn’t necessary yet—exploration is the first step, but it must be done responsibly.”
Corporate Response and Legal Challenges
Military Metals has pledged to appeal the license revocation, calling the move “unjustified and contrary to EU strategic interests.” The company argues that antimony is essential for green technologies and defense systems, with its CEO stating, “This decision undermines Slovakia’s credibility as an investment destination.”
The firm is also exploring another antimony deposit in southeastern Slovakia, though that site faces similar environmental scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Slovak government faces criticism for its inconsistent approach: while the economy ministry pushes for accelerated mining, the environment ministry—led by a right-wing coalition—prioritizes stricter regulations.
What’s Next for the EU’s Resource Strategy?
The Trojarova case highlights the EU’s broader struggle to reconcile energy security with environmental goals. As China tightens antimony exports and Russia’s war in Ukraine disrupts global markets, the bloc must navigate complex trade-offs. For Slovakia, the decision underscores the tension between economic opportunity and ecological preservation in a region already scarred by centuries of mining.
“This isn’t just about one mine,” said Lendik. “It’s about how we define progress in the 21st century.”